Diane Abbott is an inspiration to all

THE EDITOR, Madam:

My heart is warmed by the fact that the new Mother of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom is Diane Abbott, member of parliament. She came to this position in her new position as a consequence of the July 4 parliamentary election.

The passage of time may produce a new generation of Jamaicans who have no knowledge of this trailblazer. This lady of Jamaican ancestry broke the glass ceiling in representational politics in the United Kingdom with her election in 1987 as the first woman of colour member of parliament.

The context of her election as a member of the Labour Party, when the Conservative Party was very dominant in attaining the loyalty of the electorate, is to be noted. Added to that has been her ability to return successfully to the House of Commons as the representative of Hackney North and Stoke Newington despite the political fortunes of her party, the Labour party.

Any recognition of Ms Abbott must bear in mind that she has been a representative in the true sense of the word, as she has earned a reputation for not just promoting the views of her constituency, but she has been known for being strident in upholding her views and principles as it relates to the philosophy of her political party. Ms Abbott has also weighed in on matters of race, and indeed recently suffered abuse as a consequence of being a black citizen.

Over the years, Ms Abbott has been a liaison between Jamaica and the United Kingdom. One must remember her contribution as shadow Home Secretary in seeking to obtain justice for the Windrush generation in light of that horrible scandal of ill treatment by the then United Kingdom government

Ms Diane Abbott has been an inspiration to parliamentarians who are female and of colour. In one of her first interviews after her historic election in 1987, Ms Abbott said that she saw her election as one that was to bring about hope. In many respects, it has done just that because nearly 37 years later there are many more women of colour in the mother of all parliament.

Jamaica can indeed be very proud of this individual. Here is a prayer that she will enjoy her tenure as Mother of the House and continue to be an inspiration to all.

REV MICHAEL ALLEN